The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Wilkerson Wilbourne (NSN: 0-63125), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Gunnery Officer aboard the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), during the action against Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands areas on the night of 12 – 13 November 1942. Lieutenant Commander Wilbourne controlled the fire of offensive weapons so courageously and skillfully that a Japanese battleship was severely damaged and silenced, to be later sunk by cooperating forces, an enemy cruiser was set afire, and an enemy destroyer was sunk. Not once through the entire action, during which a terrific hail of enemy fire enveloped the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO, was the determination of this gallant officer shaken or the efficiency with which he directed the control of his gun batteries reduced. His remarkable performance under the most adverse conditions, with a multiplicity of targets, many of which were hitting the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO, contributed largely to the achievement of great victory in this notable engagement. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.